Nitrile gloves aren’t just a one-size-fits-all solution—different tasks demand different levels of durability, grip, and chemical resistance. For outdoor professionals like landscapers, growers, and farmers, choosing the right thickness can make all the difference between a glove that gets the job done and one that leaves you frustrated. Here's a breakdown of nitrile gloves by thickness and their ideal use cases, featuring some of Gemplers' professional-grade options.
Gemplers 4-mil Disposable Nitrile Gloves
- Top Feature: textured surface to improve dexterity when working with small or slippery items
- Best For: precision tasks like planting seeds, animal care, milking, and small engine repair
With a 4-mil thickness, these Gemplers gloves offer excellent dexterity, so your fingers can move like the nimble tools they are. Lightweight but durable, they’re perfect for tasks where you need to feel every twist, pinch, or grip without sacrificing protection. Keep a box in your truck—they’re disposable, so no need to worry about cleanup after messy jobs.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Impressed with these gloves.
"Great gloves for working with animals. Easy to get on and off in all weather." -Dale F
SW Sustainability PowderForm 5-mil Nitrile Gloves
- Top Feature: tear-resistant and textured to help you perform any task
- Best For: light maintenance, handling tools, or working with oils and solvents
Slightly thicker than 4-mil gloves, these 5-mil gloves balance sensitivity and toughness. The biodegradable design is a win for the environment, too, making these gloves a sustainable choice for tasks like minor engine work or mixing fertilizers.
A note from the Gemplers team: These gloves are a great environment-friendly option. The gloves are silicon-free and degrade in as little as 2.5 years, resulting in zero waste over time.
NitrileShield with Grippaz 6-mil Orange Nitrile Gloves
- Top Feature: Grippaz technology provides superior gripping power
- Best For: Greasy, wet, or slippery jobs like machinery repair or landscaping in damp conditions
The added thickness makes these 6-mil gloves a tough contender for rugged jobs, and the Grippaz technology keeps tools and materials firmly in hand. MCR Safety's patented suction grip design not only helps you keep a hold on things, but the texture on both sides adds overall strength and durability to the gloves. The high-visibility orange color ensures you’ll never misplace a glove—or your hand—in the thick of things.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Awesome gloves! 15 year mechanic here and these gloves top all the others! Will be a lifetime buyer of the GRIPPAZ!" -Jesse B
Gemplers 8-mil Disposable Nitrile Gloves
- Top Feature: surface is textured to enhance dexterity
- Best For: handling chemicals, heavy tools, or painting
When your job requires gloves that can take a beating, Gemplers 8-mil gloves deliver. Whether you’re pouring concrete, handling thorny branches, or working in extreme grime, these gloves are up for the challenge without compromising flexibility.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Top Notch Protection. "These gloves are impressively durable and comfortable. The 8-mil thickness provides strong protection against punctures and chemicals, making them suitable for various tasks. They fit well, with textured fingertips for better grip." -James E
Newtrile 11-mil Chemical Resistant Unlined Nitrile Gloves
- Top Feature: raised diamond grip for superior wet or dry traction
- Best For: mixing or applying chemicals, pesticide spraying, or oil handling
Thicker than standard disposable gloves, these unlined, 11-mil gloves are your go-to for chemical-heavy tasks. They’re built to withstand exposure to harsh substances while keeping your hands safe and irritation-free.
Gemplers 15-mil Chemical Resistant Unlined Nitrile Gloves
- Top Feature: gloves resist snags, punctures, and abrasions to keep your hands safe
- Best For: long-term exposure to chemicals, spraying plants and crops, or cleaning up hazardous spills
If your job keeps you elbow-deep in harsh chemicals or wet conditions, these Gemplers 15-mil gloves provide the durability and protection you need. They’re tough enough to reuse but flexible enough to keep you comfortable during long workdays. The non-slip grip of these gloves allows you to easily work safely with sprayer nozzles and other small parts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I have used these gloves, ordered from Gemplers for almost 40 years in my chemical application business. They are tough and last a long time."
SHOWA NSK26 Chemical-Resistant 26"L 20-mil Nitrile Gloves
- Top Feature: elasticized, extended gauntlet cuff to keep liquids and chemicals out
- Best For: handling large volumes of liquids, pressure washing, or working with caustic substances
These gloves combine nitrile’s protective properties with an extended cuff for added splash protection. Perfect for tasks involving high-risk chemical exposure or wet conditions, they keep your hands and forearms out of harm's way.
Choosing the Right Gloves for the Job
Every outdoor professional faces unique challenges, and having the right gloves on hand can make your workday safer and more efficient.
Here’s a quick reference:
Whatever the task, Gemplers has your hands covered—literally. Rugged, reliable, and built for the job, these gloves are a must-have for any outdoor professional. Check out our full collection to find the perfect pair for your next project.